On October 25, 2023, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) hosted a virtual roundtable discussion
with EDGE Certified Foundation on the proposed World Bank Group Gender Strategy 2024-2030. The
Foundation oversees the EDGE Certification, which sets the prominent standards for diversity, equity and
inclusion (DE&I), focusing on gender and intersectional equity principles. The aim of the discussion was to
engage with and learn from EDGE, to better understand opportunities and challenges for gender equality
and empowerment, particularly within the context of the proposed strategy. Key takeaways are
summarized below and will be used to inform the strategy.


 • Framing: The group positively acknowledged the systemic nature of the proposed strategy, recognizing
   its alignment with themes that the World Bank Group is well equipped to address. They noted that the
   strategy’s increased ambition is evident, and the appreciated the focus on finance and collective action
   as key drivers. The strategic approach, delivery mechanism, and objectives were deemed logical.

 • Political infrastructure: Concerns were raised about potential backlash in certain parts of the world
   that could impede progress on gender equality within the private sector. Some companies expressed
   reluctance or concerns about working on gender or diversity and inclusion (D&I) due to pushback in
   specific countries (e.g., anti-affirmative action court decisions; environmental, social and governmental
   (ESG) backlash). Two proposed solutions to these challenges included: (i) positioning gender equality
   as a systemic solution and (ii) educating leaders on the language and vocabulary to use when discussing
   gender.

 • Intersectionality: Examining gender intersectionality more closely was considered appropriate,
   recognizing the increasing complexity of different environments, and expressing enthusiasm for
   addressing this complexity.




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• Operationalization: Participants felt that targets and milestones for the implementation of the
  strategy were missing in the draft, and recommended incorporating specific metrics to enhance the
  effectiveness of the strategy.




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